PATRICK Gardner eyes for another finals appearance in a span of weeks after coming aboard with Meralco.
The 7-foot Gardner was fresh from a finals appearance in the Japan B.League second division where the Fukushima Firebonds lost to Kobe Storks a few weeks ago.
The American-Egyptian import has been thrust to the Bolts in the middle of the 50th Season Commissioner’s Cup semifinals where he hopes to reach the championship again.
“I don’t want to lose in the championship again. I still have the hunger,” said Gardner.
Gardner was impressive in his first game with Meralco where he finished with 20 points on 8-of-16 shooting, and 13 rebounds to lift the Bolts to a 101-90 win in Game 4 over TNT.
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So far, Meralco likes what it is seeing in their new import after also making three threes in Game 4.
Meralco coach Luigi Trillo said active consultant Nenad Vucinic is happy how Gardner fits in the team’s system.
“He speaks highly of Pat,” said Trillo. “Kitang kita mo naman ‘yung ginawa niya. Kalmado. He makes the right decision. I think one thing that he has is he can shoot the ball. Kailangan bantayan mo rin because he can make shots from the outside.”
“He is a good character. He works hard. You can see it the first few days pa lang na pasok talaga siya sa team namin,” said Meralco guard Aaron Black.
The series is now tied at 2-2 with Gardner coming in to replace Marvin Jones and TNT making its own change by signing Chris McCullough to take over the spot left by super import Bol Bol.
“I’m here to do what the team wants. Whatever they need me to do, I want to adjust for them, and ultimately try to win the championship,” said Gardner.
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